ANDY Burnham has wasted no time making his mark on 10 Downing Street, swinging the axe on top ministers following his takeover as Prime Minister.
In a wide-ranging Cabinet overhaul, the new Labour leader has cleared out key loyalists associated with former premier Sir Keir Starmer.
Andy Burnham hosts his first weekly Cabinet Meeting in 10 Downing Street Credit: Crown Copyright
The sweeping changes mark a dramatic shift at the top of government as Burnham builds a team focused on regional growth, public investment, and easing the cost-of-living crisis.
Which high-profile Starmer Cabinet members have been ousted?
The biggest headline from the reshuffle is the departure of Rachel Reeves, who has been removed as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
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Reeves, who managed the nation’s finances for two years, was offered an alternative Cabinet role by Burnham but chose to step down.
She has been replaced at No11 by former Defence Secretary John Healey.
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Other major figures from the Starmer era hit by the clear-out include:
David Lammy: The former Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister was shown the door as Burnham sought fresh leadership.
Peter Kyle: The former Business Secretary lost his Cabinet portfolio as Burnham restructured the department to focus on trade, science, and innovation under Jonathan Reynolds.
Liz Kendall: Sacked from her position as Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary in one of the most unexpected moves of the shake-up.
The full list of ministers dropped by Burnham
Below is the complete breakdown of senior ministers who have departed the Cabinet during the Prime Minister’s opening reshuffle:
MinisterFormer Cabinet RoleRachel ReevesChancellor of the ExchequerDavid LammyJustice SecretaryPeter KyleBusiness SecretarySteve ReedHousing, Communities & Local Government SecretaryDarren JonesChancellor of the Duchy of LancasterLiz KendallScience, Innovation & Technology SecretaryJo StevensWelsh SecretaryLord HermerAttorney GeneralHilary BennNorthern Irish SecretaryJenny ChapmanDevelopment MinisterNick Thomas-SymondsEU relations minister and Paymaster General
What do the sackings tell us about Burnham’s premiership?
The scale of the purge offers clear signals about how Prime Minister Andy Burnham intends to govern.
By removing Starmer’s core inner circle – such as Reeves, Lammy, and Jones – Burnham is distancing his administration from the policies and missteps of the previous two years.
Replacing Reeves with John Healey signals a move away from rigid Treasury orthodoxies.
Burnham has indicated he will utilise existing fiscal flexibility to drive infrastructure investment, lower household energy bills, and focus on re-industrialisation.
Elevating key allies like Louise Haigh into central Cabinet Office roles highlights Burnham’s commitment to regional devolution and shifting political weight out of London.
The reshuffle demonstrates a Prime Minister determined to establish firm authority early, installing a team geared toward urgent delivery on the cost of living and domestic reform.
